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Kestrel 5500 Weather Meter

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The world’s most complete hand-held weather meter AND the world’s most portable weather station. Lightweight, robust, IP67 rated multi-function weather meter and data logger with large sunlight-readable graphing display.

Optional LiNK connectivity
All LiNK models are powered by Bluetooth Smart® provides wireless communication to mobile devices & computers.

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Kestrel 1000 Kestrel 2000 Kestrel 2500 Kestrel 3000 Kestrel 3500 Kestrel 3500 Delta T Kestrel 5000 Kestrel 5100 Kestrel 5200 Kestrel 5400 Kestrel 5500 Kestrel 2700 Sportsman Elite Hornady 4DOF Kestrel 5700X
Functions / Model 1000 2000 2500 3000 3500 3500
Delta T
5000 5100 5200 5400 5500 2700
Ballistics
5700
Ballistics
5700
Elite AB
5700
4DOF
5700X
Elite AB
Price from(*) £78.56 £97.74 £155.28 £155.28 £193.63 £193.63 £260.75 £262.13 £261.85 £408.29 £337.47 £235.92
LiNK Model £318.29 £318.29 £318.29 £573.08 £404.59 £523.36 £814.79 £643.36 £987.64
NV Model Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick
Current Wind Speed Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick
Max Wind Gust Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick
Avg Wind Speed Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick
Temperature Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick
Lanyard Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick
Wind Chill Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick
Backlit Display Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick
Clock Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick
Pressure Trend Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick
Altitude Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick
Barometric Pressure Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick
Relative Humidity Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick
Heat Index Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick
Dew Point Temp Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick
Wet Bulb Temp Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick
Density Altitude Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick
Absolute Pressure Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick
Exportable Data Logs Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick
Data Log Graphing Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick
Air Density Tick Tick
Humidity Ratio Tick Tick
Evaporation Rate Tick
Volume Air Flow Tick
Delta T Tick Tick Tick
Wet Bulb Globe Temp (WBGT) Tick Tick Tick
Thermal Work Limit Tick
Naturally Asp. Wet Bulb Temp Tick
Globe Temp Tick
Threshold Alerts Tick
Built in Flag Settings Tick
Digital Compass Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick
Wind Direction Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick
Crosswind Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick
Headwind/Tailwind Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick
Integrated Ballistics Calc Tick Tick Tick Tick
Enhanced Processor Speed Tick
Adjustable Bluetooth Signal Tick
Kestrel LiNK App (iOS) Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick
Kestrel LiNK App (Android) Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick
Kestrel LiNK for PC Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick
Kestrel LiNK Ballistics (iOS) Tick Tick Tick Tick
Kestrel LiNK Ballistics (Android) Tick Tick Tick Tick

* Prices exclude 20% VAT. UK mainland free delivery. For shipping within E.U. Please see our shipping terms

Kestrel 5500 Measures

• Dew Point Temperature
• Heat Stress Index
• Relative Humidity
• Current Wind Speed / Maximum Wind Gust / Average Wind Speed (mph, km/h, ft/min, m/s, knots and Beaufort)
• Wind Direction (degrees and cardinal compass points)
• Crosswind, Headwind, Tailwind
• Temperature (Air,Water,Snow) / Wind Chill (Fahrenheit and Celsius)
• Barometric Pressure (inHg and hPa (mb))
• Station Pressure (Absolute Pressure)
• Altitude (Barometric)
• Density altitude
• Wet Bulb Temperature (Psychrometric)
• Exterior temperature, humidity & pressure sensors for fast & accurate readings

Software Downloads

Kestrel Link for Windows (v1.04.04)
Simple communication to Windows computers is provided through the optional LiNK .USB Dongle or USB Data Transfer Cable.
Download your data to view, analyze and archive. Enables firmware update of Kestrel 5 series meters.Compatible with Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10
Download:
Kestrel Link for Windows »

 

Kestrel Link for OSX/Mac OS (v1.04.04)
Transfer data from your Kestrel 5 Series device and archive on your Mac computer.
Data logs can be exported as csv files for viewing and analysis in spreadsheets.
This software also facilitates updates and upgrades to your device firmware.
Download:
Kestrel Link for OSX/Mac OS »

 

Kestrel LiNK Ballistics for Android
Wireless connection. When in range, view real-time measurements, receive on-screen alerts & download your data. Logged data can be viewed, analyzed, archived & shared via e-mail, Facebook & Twitter.
Enables firmware update of Kestrel 5 series meters.NOTE: Range up to 100′ line of sight – reduced by walls and obstructions.
Download:
Android Store »Download on Android

 

Kestrel LiNK Ballistics for iOS
Wireless connection. When in range, view real-time measurements, receive on-screen alerts and download your data. Logged data can be viewed, analyzed, archived and shared via e-mail, Facebook and Twitter. Enables firmware update of Kestrel 5 series meters.

NOTE: Range up to 100′ line of sight – reduced by walls and obstructions.

 

Download:
Apple Store »Download on Apple Store

 

Product Description

The Kestrel 5500 Pocket Weather Tracker is a complete weather instrument, offering all the features of the Kestrel 5000 with instant and accurate measurement of wind speed, temperature, humidity and barometric pressure and numerous other derived functions.

In addition, the Kestrel 5500 has a built-in digital compass. This allows you to track and log wind direction as well as wind speed. The wind direction is displayed in degrees and cardinal compass points. This makes the Kestrel 5500 the required model for HAZMAT workers, flight crews and military personnel as well as paragliders, flying enthusiasts and kite boarders who need to understand the impact of crosswind, headwind and tailwind.

By setting a reference target or runway heading, the Kestrel 5500 will automatically calculate crosswind, headwind and tailwind when measuring the wind speed. The digital compass can also be used to display forward heading with reference to either magnetic or true north.

The Kestrel 5500 also calculates and logs over 10,000 sets of time-stamped data.

There are two versions of Kestrel 5500
STANDARD VERSION
With the standard Kestrel 5500 data can be transferred using the K5000 USB Data Transfer Cable (sold separately) to a Windows/Mac device.
The free of charge Kestrel LiNK App will allow you to view and hold all data as well as download into .csv format.

LiNK VERSION
The Kestrel 5500 LiNK version has Bluetooth connectivity allowing you to transfer data wirelessly to an iOS (iPhone, iPad) device or Android smartphone or tablet when within range using the appropriate Kestrel LiNK App.
You can also transfer data wirelessly to a Windows or Mac computer using the optional Kestrel Bluetooth USB Dongle (sold separately). Data can be viewed live on the App up to 100 feet away (line of sight).

When combined with the Kestrel Vane Mount and Kestrel Tripod the Kestrel 5500 becomes a stand-alone weather station as the large wind vane and precision pivot keep the Kestrel oriented into the wind for continuous measurement and logging of all the key environmental parameters at the exact location required.

Mil-SPEC-810G drop tested with an IP67 waterproof rating the Kestrel 5500 is designed and constructed to withstand the harsh treatment it will receive from construction sites, farms or HVAC engineers. The unit comes with a five-year warranty and certificate of conformity as standard.

Additional information

Variant

Yellow non-LiNK, Olive drab non-LiNK, Yellow LiNK with Case & Vane Mount, Olive drab LiNK with Case & Vane Mount

Kestrel 5500 Features

• Large easily read high resolution, high contrast display with backlight
• Time & Date
• Customize screens to display user-selected measurements
• Graph & recall trends
• Min, Max & Average values
• Automatically store measurements, when powered on or off
• Manually store measurements with the press of a button
• Customizable data storage – 10,000 data points
• Data charting
• Optional LiNK connectivity powered by Bluetooth® low energy provides wireless communication to mobile devices and computers.
• Data upload to iOS & Android phones & tablets
• Data upload to Windows or Mac computers with optional USB Data Cable
• Data upload to Windows & Mac computers via wireless Bluetooth (LiNK Enabled Meters only with the optional Kestrel Dongle)
• Standard user-replaceable AA Lithium Battery (Average Life 400 Hours)
• Drop tested to MIL-STD-810G standards (10 drops from 4′)

Sensor Accuracy (+/-) Resolution Specification Range Notes
Wind Speed | Air Flow Larger of 3% of reading, least significant digit or 20 ft/min 0.1 m/s
1 ft/min
0.1 km/h
0.1 mph
0.1 knots
1 B*
0.1 F/S*
0.6 to 40.0 m/s
118 to 7,874 ft/min
2.2 to 144.0 km/h
1.3 to 89.5 mph
1.2 to 77.8 knots
0 to 12 B*
2-131.2*
1 inch|25 mm diameter impeller with precision axle and low-friction Zytel® bearings. Startup speed stated as lower limit, readings may be taken down to 0.4 m/s | 79 ft/min| 1.5 km/h | .9 mph | .8 kt after impeller startup. Off-axis accuracy -1% @ 5° off-axis; -2% @ 10°; -3% @ 15°. Calibration drift < 1% after 100 hours use at 16 MPH | 7 m/s. Replacement impeller (NK PN-0801) field installs without tools (US Patent 5,783,753). Wind speed calibration and testing should be done with triangle on impeller located at the top front face of the Kestrel. Measuring wind speeds above 60 m/s / 134.2 mph can damage the impeller.
*F/S only in Ballistics units. Beaufort not available in Ballistics units.
Ambient Temperature 0.9 °F
0.5 °C
0.1 °F
0.1 °C
-20.0 to 158.0 °F
-29.0 to 70.0 °C
Airflow of 2.2 mph|1 m/s or greater provides fastest response and reduction of insolation effect. For greatest accuracy, avoid direct sunlight on the temperature sensor and prolonged sunlight exposure to the unit in low airflow conditions. Calibration drift is negligible for the life of the product. For further details, see Display & Battery Operational Temperature Limits
Relative Humidity ±2%RH 0.1 %RH 10 to 90% 25°C non-condensing To achieve stated accuracy, unit must be permitted to equilibrate to external temperature when exposed to large, rapid temperature changes and be kept out of direct sunlight. Calibration drift is typically less than ±0.25% per year.
Pressure ±1.5 mbar at 25°C, 700-1100 mbar/ ±0.044inHg at 77°F 20.67-32.48 inHg/
±0.022 PSI 10.15-15.95 PS
0.01 inHg
0.1 hPa|mbar
0.01 PSI
25°C/77°F,
700-1100 mbar/20.67-32.48 inHg/10.15-15.95 PSI
Monolithic silicon piezoresistive pressure sensor with second-order temperature correction. Between 1100–1200 mbar, unit will operate with reduced accuracy. Sensor may not operate above 1200 mbar and can be damaged above 6,000 mbar or below 10 mbar. Calibration drift is negligible for the life of the product.
Compass ±5°
1/16th Cardinal Scale
0 to 360° 2-axis solid-state magnetoresistive sensor mounted perpendicular to unit plane. Accuracy of sensor dependent upon unit’s vertical position. Self-calibration routine eliminates magnetic error from batteries or unit and must be run after every full power-down (battery removal or change). Readout indicates direction to which the back of the unit is pointed when held in a vertical orientation. Declination/variation adjustable for True North readout.

 

Calculated Measurements

Measurement Accuracy (+/-) Resolution Sensors Deployed
Air Density 0.0002 lb/ft3
0.0033 kg/m3
0.001 lbs/ft3
0.001 kg/m3
Temperature Relative
Humidity Pressure
Air Flow 6.71% 1 cfm
1 m3/hr
1 m3/m
0.1m3/s
1 L/s
Air Flow
User Input (Duct Shape & Size)
Altitude typical: 23.6 ft/7.2 m – 50 to 1100 mBar
max: 48.2 ft/14.7 m – 300 to 750 mBar
1 ft
1 m
Pressure
User Input (Reference Pressure)
Barometric Pressure 0.07 inHg
2.4 hPa|mbar
0.03 PSI
0.01 inHg
0.1 hPa|mbar
0.01 PSI
Pressure
User Input (Reference Altitude)
Crosswind & Headwind / Tailwind 7.1% 1 mph
1 ft/min
0.1 km/h
0.1 m/s
0.1 knots
Wind Speed Compass
Delta T 3.2 °F
1.8 °C
0.1 °F
0.1 °C
Temperature Relative
Humidity Pressure
Density Altitude 226 ft
69 m
1 ft
1 m
Temperature Relative
Humidity Pressure
Dew Point 3.4 °F
1.9 °C
15-95% RH. Refer to Range for Temperature Sensor
0.1 °F
0.1 °C
Temperature Relative
Humidity
Evaporation Rate 0.01 lb/ft2/hr
0.06 kg/m2/hr
0.01 b/ft2/hr
0.01 kg/m2/hr
Wind Speed Temperature Relative Humidity Pressure User Input (Concrete Temperature)
Heat Index 7.1°F
4.0°C
0.1 °F
0.1 °C
Temperature Relative Humidity
Moisture Content | Humidity Ratio (“Grains”) .3gpp
.4g/kg
0.1 gpp
0.01 g/kg
Temperature Relative Humidity Pressure
Relative Air Density 0.3% 0.1% Temperature Relative Humidity Pressure
Wet Bulb Temperature – Psychrometric 3.2 °F
1.8 °C
0.1 °F
0.1 °C
Temperature Relative Humidity Pressure
Wind Chill 1.6 °F
0.9 °C
0.1 °F
0.1 °C
Wind Speed Temperature

 

Additional Product Info

Display & Backlight Multifunction, multi-digit monochrome dot-matrix display. Choice of white or red LED backlight.
Response Time & Display Update Display updates every 1 second. After exposure to large environmental changes, all sensors require an equilibration period to reach stated accuracy. Measurements employing RH may require longer periods particularly after prolonged exposure to very high or very low humidity.
Data Storage & Graphical Display, Min/Max/Avg History Logged history stored and displayed for every measured value. Manual and auto data storage. Min/Max/Avg history may be reset independently. Auto-store interval settable from 2 seconds to 12 hours, overwrite on or off. Logs even when display off except for 2 and 5 second intervals. Kestrel 5 series units hold over 10,000 data points.
Data Upload & Bluetooth® Data Connect Option Wireless range up to 100ft. Connection requires optional USB data transfer cable or Kestrel Link Dongle or Kestrel LiNK app. Employs Kestrel Link protocol for data transmission with Link supported devices. (Kestrel LiNK for iOS/Android, Kestrel Link for PC/MAC).
Clock / Calendar Real-time hours:minutes:seconds clock, calendar, automatic leap-year adjustment.
Auto Shutdown User-selectable – Off, 15-60 minutes with no key presses.
Languages English, French, German, Spanish.
Certifications CE certified, RoHS and WEEE compliant. Individually tested to NIST-traceable standards.
Origin Designed and manufactured in the USA from US and imported components. Complies with Regional Value Content and Tariff Code Transformation requirements for NAFTA Preference Criterion B.
Battery Life AA Lithium, included. Up to 400 hours of use, reduced by backlight or Bluetooth radio transmission use.
Shock Resistance MIL-STD-810g, Transit Shock, Method 516.5 Procedure IV; unit only; impact may damage replaceable impeller.
Sealing Waterproof (IP67 and NEMA-6)
Display & Battery Operational Temperature Limits 14° F to 131° F | -10 °C to 55 °C Measurements may be taken beyond the limits of the operational temperature range of the display and batteries by maintaining the unit within the operational range and then exposing it to the more extreme environment for the minimum time necessary to take reading
Storage Temperature -22.0 °F to 140.0 °F | -30.0 °C to 60.0 °C.
Size & Weight 5.0 x 1.9 x 1.1 in / 12.7 x 4.5 x 2.8 cm, 4.3 oz / 121 g. (Lithium battery included)

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Data Sheet
Download PDF Kestrel 5500 – User Guide
Download PDF Kestrel 5000 Series – Certificate of Conformity

Models & SKUs

• Kestrel 5500 Weather Meter (Yellow): 0855YEL
• Kestrel 5500 Weather Meter (Olive): 0855OLV
• Kestrel 5500 Weather Meter (Tan): 0855TAN
• Kestrel 5500 Weather Meter with LiNK + Vane Mount (Yellow): 0855LVYEL
• Kestrel 5500 Weather Meter with LiNK + Vane Mount (Olive): 0855LVOLV
• Kestrel 5500 Weather Meter with LiNK + Vane Mount (Tan): 0855LVTAN

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